State of Origin: Would this Pacific Test team knock off Queensland in a three-game series?

The growth of the international game has been a welcomed evolution, with large credit to the emergence of Tonga at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Representative round kept the hype rolling as Campbelltown Stadium packed out with passionately loud supporters from four separate nations, not only complimenting State of Origin, but adding a whole new dimension to it.

The quality football from the minnow nations is rapidly improving, evident in Tonga's rise to prominence, Fiji's toppling of New Zealand in November and PNG overcoming an NRL-stack Bati side.

But could they, in unity, make a giant leap - one almost as astonishing as Neil Armstrong's - and compete at an Origin level against this year's losers?

Lady luck has done the winless 2018 Queensland side little favours, wiping out the key core of their squad with injury after their fearless spine of leaders called time on their representative careers.

Depleted and wounded, the Maroons have never looked so vulnerable.

Would this Pacific Nation side filled with marquee talent give them a run for their money?

Slide on to see the full team...

#1

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand)

He's not quite Billy Slater, but he's one of the next best things. The metre-eating fullback's try-saving capabilities are unrivaled, although it's impossible for one man to plug New Zealand's gaping defensive holes.

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#2

Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji)

Representing a new generation of power-running, fast-finishing wingers, Vunivalu has the strength of a forward and pace of a back making him one of the most lethal wingers in the game.

#3

Esan Marsters (New Zealand)

A new face on the international scene, Marstersis enjoying a breakout year with the Tigers and has caused nightmares for his defensive opposition with a brilliant fend and line-running.

#4

Tim Lafai (Samoa)

Rejected from Canterbury in 2015, Lafaihas rediscovered his best form with premiership contenders St George Illawarra, with his elusive stepping and flick pass combining for a dangerous threat out wide.

#5

Jordan Rapana (New Zealand)

Considered the best winger in the game a few years back, the savvy winger picks his moments and knows when to rip apart tired, middle forwards through some blistering dummy-half takes.

#6

Kodi Nikorima (New Zealand)

It has been a rollercoaster season for the Brisbane half, but his form has found some consistency of late with Brisbane winning seven of their last nine fixtures.

#7

Shaun Johnson (New Zealand)

Curious pundits and fans would love to see his potential in an Australian side, constantly burdened by the extra responsibility at New Zealand.

An extremely creative playmaker nonetheless that can produce points from all corners of the field.

#8

Andrew Fifita (Tonga)

We've already seen what the Tonga hero turned NSW-reject can produce in the Origin arena, delivering arguably the best ever performance by a forward in game one last year.

#9

Issac Luke (New Zealand)

Struggling to fit into his new environment across the ditch for years, Luke has finally hit his strideand by bringing back that famous, dynamic running game that South Sydney fans came to adore.

#10

Martin Taupau (New Zealand)

There's a reason almost five NRL clubs have inquiredabout his services, keen to bring his intimidation factor and destructive running game on board.

#11

Tohu Harris (New Zealand)

One of the buy of the year contenders before his injury, Harris is a level-headed forward that is a two-prong threat with sensational ball-playing skills for a big man.

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#12

Siosuai Taukeiaho (Tonga)

One that flies under the radar compared to his high-profile Pacific Nation associates, Taukeiahois a hard-working, energetic force willing to do the dirty work.

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#13

Jason Taumalolo (Tonga)

The $10 million man. That's probably a bargain rate to be fair.

Both Brad Fittler and Kevin Walters would give up their salaries to get him on board.

#14

James Segeyaro (PNG)

The livewire hooker is renowned for his darting runs from the ruck, able to use his speed and agility to weave and duck through tacklers.

Wasn't even mentioned in the QLDselection picture after Cameron Smith's retirement, but definitely worth a shout.

#15

Adam Blair (New Zealand)

The hard-nosed prop is Origin pedigree, equipped with a fierce tackling technique and competitive attitude.

#16

Viliame Kikau (Fiji)

A powerhouse forward on the rise, Kikaurepresents a more talented Feleti Mateo - giant in size, a slick flick pass and damaging running game.

#17

Nelson Asofa-Solomona (New Zealand)

It takes at least four blokes to cut him down, boasting enormous strength and size that is complimented by a nifty offload which adds another attacking dimension to his game.